e that we moved, for there was but one woman in the house, and we
could easily overpower her and get what we wanted; still there was a
great risk, as she might give the alarm, and we should have to escape in
the day-time, and might be seen and taken prisoners again. However, as
it was our only chance, we resolved to go down to the farmhouse very
cautiously, and be all ready to seize any opportunity. We crept down
the hill, and gained the fence, which was at the back of the farmhouse,
without being discovered: we remained there for about a quarter of an
hour, when, to our great joy, we observed the farmer's wife go out of
the house, leading a child in each hand; apparently she was going to
visit one of her neighbours, for she went in the direction of one of the
other farms. As soon as she was a hundred yards off, Hastings crept
softly through the fence, and entered the farmhouse by the back-door; he
came out again, and made a sign for us to come in. We found him already
in possession of a rifle and a musket, which had been hanging over the
fire-place, and we soon handed down the powder-horns and ammunition
pouches, which were hung up at a different part of the room, away from
the fire-place.

"Having gained these, Hastings set me to watch at the front door, lest
anybody should return, while Romer and he looked out for something else
in the way of provisions. We got possession of three hams, and a large
loaf of bread as big as a small washing-tub. With these articles we
made our way safe back to our retreat. We then looked round, and could
see nobody in any direction, so we presumed that we were not discovered.
As there was a sort of ravine full of rocks dividing the hill, which we
were obliged to pass before we could get into the valley, unless we went
down close to the farmhouse, we agreed that it would be better at once
to cross it during the day-time, so that we should get that difficulty
over, and, at the same time, be further from the farmhouse. We did so;
and found a very secure hiding-place, where we lay down, waiting for the
sun to set before we started on our journey into the interior. I think
I had better leave off now, William, as it is getting late."

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

The fishpond was commenced the next morning. Ready, Mr Seagrave, and
William went down together to the beach, and, after much examination,
chose a spot about one hundred yards from the turtle-pond as most
eligible for the p